Question

[FranklinsTower]

While comparing my eating disorder to other posts on this site I have noticed a stunning difference. Most of the posters have an emotional coorelation with the amount, and kinds of food they consume. (They eat more when stressed etc)

I, however, can honestly say I do not have that connection. When I am stressed, angry, happy, indifferent I do not consume any more or different variaions of food.

At most, I probably consume 4 meals a week (all of them I purge within minutes of completion) and this trend has been constant for the past 4-5 months.

Is this difference a gender thing (I'm Male)? A result of my environment...are there a lot of people who do not have this connection?

I don't eat and I purge because I do not want to gain weight, it's natural now.

[Nina Kay]

Hi Franklin's Tower. I don't believe that it's a gender thing. Others may think so. Does your not eating have anything to do with how you are doing emotionally at that time? Maybe that's something that you could consider and really honestly weigh out.

I'm sure that others will be along soon to share with you in a more knowledgable way. I'm glad that you came here to share this with all of us. Keep coming back as often as possible.

[FranklinsTower]

Originally Posted by Nina Kay

Hi Franklin's Tower. I don't believe that it's a gender thing. Others may think so. Does your not eating have anything to do with how you are doing emotionally at that time? Maybe that's something that you could consider and really honestly weigh out.

I'm sure that others will be along soon to share with you in a more knowledgable way. I'm glad that you came here to share this with all of us. Keep coming back as often as possible.

That's the thing, I am actually a decently happy, laid-back person most of the time. I just refuse to gain weight and took an extreme measure to prevent that, and now I seemed to be addicted to it.

[Neagrm]

What's the control about?

Where are the feelings?

[FranklinsTower]

Originally Posted by Neagrm

What's the control about?

Where are the feelings?

Well I used to be about 120 lbs. heavier, I have fear of going back to that, that is what drives me.

[Gambaru]

I daresay that although you don't think you have emotions about eating, you must have seem about not gaining the weight again hence the fear is a very strong emotion for you not to eat.

[historyteach]

At most, I probably consume 4 meals a week (all of them I purge within minutes of completion) and this trend has been constant for the past 4-5 months.

You have a serious medical condition.
Your body is starving for nutrition. Your health and very life are at stake.

Please see a doctor asap.
This is a medical emergency!

Please let us know how you're doing after you call your doctor. You need help. Serious medical help.

Shalom!

[FranklinsTower]

Originally Posted by historyteach

You have a serious medical condition.
Your body is starving for nutrition. Your health and very life are at stake.

Please see a doctor asap.
This is a medical emergency!

Please let us know how you're doing after you call your doctor. You need help. Serious medical help.

Shalom!

I know, and every day it gets worse, that is why I came on this board, to get a grasp of what is wrong with me. I want to know what I'm dealing with before I go and get help.

My big scare was a few weeks ago, when I went to bed my chest and stomach hurt so bad I didn't know if I was going to wake up the next morning. That really freaked me out.

[historyteach]

You are dealing with a very serious eating disorder.
You don't need to know more than that to call 911.

Again, this is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY, if what you wrote above is true.
Please get help IMMEDIATELY!

We are not doctors here. We cannot diagnose you. Even if we *were* doctors, no medical professional would diagnose you over the internet. You need to be seen by a doctor; tests need to be taken to be sure your blood levels are safe; your heart hasn't been effected and so on.

Here's a partial list of problems that can arise from your condition:

Complications include:

Cardiovascular problems.
Electrolyte abnormalities or use of syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting can lead to heart muscle disorders and irregular heart rhythms. These can be life-threatening. Fainting and low blood pressure also are problems.
Tooth and gum problems.
Stomach acid can wash over teeth and gums during vomiting. Repeated vomiting can cause a significant and permanent loss of dental enamel. Teeth may become ragged and chipped, and dental cavities may increase.
Throat and mouth problems.
Frequent or regular vomiting can cause sores in your mouth or throat. You may notice bleeding if you force yourself to vomit.
Low potassium levels.
The purging process tends to dehydrate your body and lower the level of potassium in your blood. This can cause weakness and irregular heart rhythms.
Digestive problems.
Purging by vomiting or use of laxatives may irritate the walls of your esophagus and rectum. In severe cases, your esophagus can rupture, leading to life-threatening bleeding. Repeated purging may also cause constipation. Laxative abuse can lead to dependence. Gastrointestinal bleeding also may occur.
Abuse of medications and drugs.
The variety of over-the-counter drugs you may use during purge cycles may cause a drug problem. Some substances used include laxatives, diuretics, appetite suppressants and ipecac, a drug that induces vomiting. People with bulimia have higher rates of alcohol and substance abuse.

So, you see, it's vitally important that you get medical help right away. Please don't delay any longer. You've already experienced a scare. Too many people have died from this scurge. Don't be the next one.

You have an illness. There *is* treatment. Get help -- while you still can.
You're worth it...

Shalom!